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Hi all,
Some sources have it that the Italian ambassador to the DRC has been killed in a roadside ambush, along with two colleagues, while travelling in a UN convoy.
regards
GttC
Were some parts ever safe?
MONUSCO replaced MONUC in 2010, MONUC had been there since 1999 after the Second Congo war. The second war had immediately followed the first war of 1996, which itself was a product of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, Which followed the Rwandan civil war which started in 1990. Many will say that came about as a result of the Ugandan Bush wars of 1980-1986. The Ugandan Bush war followed the Overthrow of Dictator Idi Amin, who had risen to power in a Coup of 1971.
and on and on and on.....
For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
Were some parts ever safe?
MONUSCO replaced MONUC in 2010, MONUC had been there since 1999 after the Second Congo war. The second war had immediately followed the first war of 1996, which itself was a product of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, Which followed the Rwandan civil war which started in 1990. Many will say that came about as a result of the Ugandan Bush wars of 1980-1986. The Ugandan Bush war followed the Overthrow of Dictator Idi Amin, who had risen to power in a Coup of 1971.
and on and on and on.....
Wouldn’t disagree with any of that.
I’ll stand by my comment that Africa is becoming more dangerous though;
The borders of African states were not drawn by Africans. This is partly the problem. Introduction of religion from outside Africa is another problem. The fact that most of the natural resources in Africa are not owned by the people of the African continent is another. Look closely at any of the current conflicts in Africa and the root cause will always be imperialist interference, either in the past or currently. Make no mistake, the islamic terrorism of today is no different to the marxist revolutionaries of the 60s and 70s. Islam is no more to blame for the current conflict than Engels can be blamed for the PIRA.
There will always be those who will attach themselves to a totem to justify their murderous activities. Problem in Africa is that civilised society is reluctant to step in, given the historic damage is already did there.
For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
The borders of African states were not drawn by Africans. This is partly the problem. Introduction of religion from outside Africa is another problem. The fact that most of the natural resources in Africa are not owned by the people of the African continent is another. Look closely at any of the current conflicts in Africa and the root cause will always be imperialist interference, either in the past or currently. Make no mistake, the islamic terrorism of today is no different to the marxist revolutionaries of the 60s and 70s. Islam is no more to blame for the current conflict than Engels can be blamed for the PIRA.
There will always be those who will attach themselves to a totem to justify their murderous activities. Problem in Africa is that civilised society is reluctant to step in, given the historic damage is already did there.
Except that the Marxist revolutionary movements were often motivated by popular nationalism.
The African revolutions were inspired by events elsewhere and against colonialism.
The current insurgency is not concerned with nationalism but is preoccupied with setting the conditions for religious caliphates.
Unfortunately in my opinion it’s going to take the influence of the west to prevent further destabilisation of some areas of the African continent.
'History is a vast early warning system'. Norman Cousins
The West does not want to be seen to interfere further in the affairs of Africa, lest they be accused of imperialism, and giving the extremists fodder.
For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
Not wanting to and needing to are unfortunately two different things.
The growing concern around the insurgency...coupled with climate change leading to food and water scarcity...which in turn leads to greater migration...coupled with Chinese geopolitical and geoeconomic influences in Africa demands a response from the west...both in terms of soft power and military missions ranging from MASD & PS Ops to enabling African partners to conduct Combat and COIN ops.
Interesting times.
'History is a vast early warning system'. Norman Cousins
Not wanting to and needing to are unfortunately two different things.
The growing concern around the insurgency...coupled with climate change leading to food and water scarcity...which in turn leads to greater migration...coupled with Chinese geopolitical and geoeconomic influences in Africa demands a response from the west...both in terms of soft power and military missions ranging from MASD & PS Ops to enabling African partners to conduct Combat and COIN ops.
Interesting times.
Problem is the Permanent members of the UNSC.
For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
Outside the UK, the largest number of UK Armed Forces personnel are currently training or on operations in Africa. The UK deploys several short-term military training teams to help build the capacity of national military forces, ensuring a number of states across Africa can respond appropriately and proportionally to the security threats they face.
France acted unilaterally with Op Serval now Op Barkhane.
'History is a vast early warning system'. Norman Cousins
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